The TiM system: developing a novel telehealth service to improve access to specialist care in motor neurone disease using user-centered design

HOBSON, Esther V, BAIRD, Wendy O, PARTRIDGE, Rebecca, COOPER, Cindy L, MAWSON, Sue, QUINN, Ann, SHAW, Pamela, WALSH, Theresa, WOLSTENHOLME, Dan and MCDERMOTT, Christopher (2018). The TiM system: developing a novel telehealth service to improve access to specialist care in motor neurone disease using user-centered design. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration, 19 (5-6), 351-361.

Preview

PDF Partridge-TheTiMSystemDevelopingANovelTelehealth(VoR).pdf - Published Version Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives: Attendance at a specialist multidisciplinary motor neurone disease (MND) clinic is associated with improved survival and may also improve quality of life and reduce hospital admissions. However, patients struggle to travel to clinic and may experience difficulties between clinic visits that may not be addressed in a timely manner. We wanted to explore how we could improve access to specialist MND care. Methods: We adopted an iterative, user-centered co-design approach, collaborating with those with experience of providing and receiving MND care including patients, carers, clinicians, and technology developers. We explored the unmet needs of those living with MND, how they might be met through service redesign and through the use of digital technologies. We developed a new digital solution and performed initial testing with potential users including clinicians, patients, and carers. Results: We used these findings to develop a telehealth system (TiM) using an Android app into which patients and carers answer a series of questions about their condition on a weekly basis. The questions aim to capture all the physical, emotional, and social difficulties associated with MND. This information is immediately uploaded to the internet for review by the MND team. The data undergoes analysis in order to alert clinicians to any changes in a patient or carer’s condition. Conclusions: We describe the benefits of developing a novel digitally enabled service underpinned by participatory design. Future trials must evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the TiM system within a clinical environment.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Cultural Communication and Computing Research Institute > Art and Design Research Centre
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/21678421.2018.1440408
Page Range:	351-361
Depositing User:	Rebecca Partridge
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2018 10:39
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 07:21
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/18681

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads

Publication Metrics